Blue Shield Of California Promise Health Plan Medi-Cal Therapists in Oakland, CA

Accessing mental health support through Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan Medi-Cal can make finding quality care both affordable and convenient. With 9 verified therapists in Oakland, CA who accept Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan Medi-Cal, you can explore therapeutic options such as cognitive behavioral therapy, supportive counseling, and family therapy to address issues like anxiety, depression, or family dynamics. Each Grow Therapy-verified therapist listed below is accepting new clients and has upcoming availability, helping you connect with supportive, in-network care when you need it.

Availability updated: 7/7/2025

Kendra Gooding

(she/her)

Kendra Gooding, LCSW - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
5 years of experience
Virtual

Accepting clients in CA

Hello, I am a Licensed Clinical Social Worker based in California and Licensed for telehealth in Florida with five years of experience. I received my master's from Simmons College in Boston. I am here to help you work through your current life challenges with the goal of helping you to be the version of yourself that you can have peace of mind with. I have experience with a variety of populations, backgrounds and needs. I do not believe that people are cookie cutter, instead I feel that I must tailor my therapeutic approach to best suit each client. I am also a great match for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing community as I am a CODA who is fluent in ASL as a second language.

Kenny Gallegos

(he/him)

Kenny Gallegos, LCSW - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
3 years of experience
Virtual

Devore Heights, CA - Accepting clients in CA

My name is Kenny Gallegos and I am a psychotherapist. As I a therapist, I enjoy helping people identify challenging aspects of their lives affecting their mental health and collaborating with them to achieve a more stable quality of life. I focus on utilizing a variety of approaches and techniques, ranging from CBT, DBT, trauma-informed, and STI to mindfulness, to serve a diverse population of ages and ethnic backgrounds while remaining client-centered.

LaShonda Hill

(she/her)

LaShonda Hill, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
8 years of experience
Virtual

Chula Vista, CA - Accepting clients in CA

Hello, my name is LaShonda. I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist from a very small town in Georgia. However,I have lived in California since 2004. Prior to moving here I have lived in Washington state for 4 years. I joined the military at the dapper age of 18 and served my country for 13 years. I received a bachelor's in Legal Studies prior to leaving the military in 2012. After careful deliberation I decided that I no longer wanted to pursue a career in law and that I was more fascinated with human behavior. I then started a dual master's program in Counseling Psychology and Marriage and Family Therapy in San Diego, California. I received my masters in 2015 and decided to take a step further and obtain my PhD in marriage and family therapy, with an emphasis on military families. I am currently a PhD candidate a Northcentral university where I am within the process of completing research on military relationships. I am a certified clinical trauma professional, trained in Sex-trafficking, Post traumatic stress, CBT, DBT as well as clinical family trauma.

Rhonda Stephanie Okonkwo

(she/her)

Rhonda Stephanie Okonkwo, LCSW - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
12 years of experience
Virtual

Sacramento, CA - Accepting clients in CA

Hey there, I’m Rhonda Stephanie! Do you have trouble managing anxiety and feelings of depression? Do you need assistance in processing a very difficult situation that you experienced? I help individuals identify problems that negatively impact their daily lives and work alongside them to address any barriers to their well-being. We can work together to address your spiritual and emotional needs to help you continue building a stronger sense of self. I also use mindfulness exercises and narration to promote self reflection and awareness. I specialize in working with Black women - including parents, teens and young women. I am a survivor who works with individuals who have experienced sexual abuse, sexual trauma and/or sex trafficking. I provide healing spaces for families who have endured generational cycles of abuse. I am queer friendly and affirming. In our sessions together, I will bring an open ear, no judgment and compassion so that you are able to overcome any hurdles that you been feeling and experiencing. Most importantly, I want to be someone that can provide a safe space for you to be yourself.

Lus Hernandez

Lus Hernandez, LCSW - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
10 years of experience
Virtual

Los Angeles, CA - Accepting clients in CA

Hello there, I’m Lus. Do you miss feeling like yourself? Does it feel like you are going around in circles with the same problems yet can’t seem to find a permanent solution? I guide adults from a person-centered approach to find solutions to their problems when experiencing difficult feelings such as those that come with depression and anxiety. I can help you work through major life transitions (newly married, becoming a parent, empty nester, starting school, grief, becoming ill, divorce, etc.) getting to the root of the problem and developing cognitive behavioral techniques that will get you back to stability. Obtaining therapy services can be intimidating but I can guarantee you that you are making the right decision. I possess bilingual abilities (Spanish), if it's your preference. You deserve your own space to heal and evolve. During our sessions, you will have a safe space where I will meet you with empathy and evidence-based practice. Let me help you.

Trisha Leamon

(she/her)

Trisha Leamon, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
6 years of experience
Virtual

Escondido, CA - Accepting clients in CA

Hi, I am Trisha Leamon, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapist. I have had an interest in human behavior for as long as I can remember. I enjoy helping my clients source their strengths and achieving effective ways to navigate life’s challenges. My professional experience has given me the opportunity to work with clients who are facing substance abuse, depression, anxiety, divorce, codependence, and grief. I especially enjoy working with clients who are navigating difficult transitions such as divorce, relationships, work, adding to their family, retirement, and the many other journeys of life. My personal experience of my sons passing in 2008 was a large part of my desire to work in the counseling field. Through my own journey, I recognized how difficult past experiences can often play large roles in how we navigate life. My goal with therapy is to offer my clients a caring, attuned therapist as we find new ways to solve problems, heal old wounds, and strengthen the way you live your life. I embrace client focused/strength based theories, CBT, and love the works of Brene Brown and Internal Family Systems.

Maria Migliore

(she/her)

Maria Migliore, LCSW - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LCSW
8 years of experience
Virtual

Redondo Beach, CA - Accepting clients in CA

I’ve studied and practiced many methods. I like to be eclectic and work with you with what’s needed to get you back on track and feeling your best. I was a teacher for many years, then went for my masters in social work. Life has many twists and turns. Sometimes we can feel off balance or are suffering from depression or anxiety. We’ve all had our ups and downs and getting back on track and feeling our best is a goal I enjoy helping people achieve the life they want.

JC Pattugalan

(she/her)

JC Pattugalan, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
8 years of experience
Virtual

Irvine, CA - Accepting clients in CA

Hello and welcome! My name is JC and I am a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist based in Southern California. I am currently a Marriage and Family Therapy Ph.D. candidate specializing in Medical Family Therapy at Northcentral University. I obtained my Masters in Counseling Psychology from Argosy University, Orange County. I operate from a combination of a Patient-Centered approach to therapy wherein I meet my patients where they are at while implementing a Biopsychosocial approach which allows me to comprehensively examine the interplay of biological, psychological, and social elements to understand health, illness, and the delivery of healthcare for my patients and their presenting concerns.

Ephraim Tokar

Ephraim Tokar, LMFT - California Therapist at Grow Therapy
LMFT
12 years of experience
Virtual

Accepting clients in CA

I'm a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist with 12+ years of experience. My specialties consist of psychosomatic illnesses, relationships, and career counseling. I received my Bachelors degree in Child Psychology, initially working with the teen/young adult population. I then transitioned over to adults as I pursued my Masters in Marriage and Family Therapy. Whether it's individuals, couples, or the geriatric population, I'm happy to get to work with whomever comes my way. I do my best to facilitate a warm, trusting environment. Looking forward to speaking with you soon!

Frequently asked questions

Why filter by California rather than a city like LA?

When looking for online therapy, you can see anyone that is credentialed in the state. We want you to find the best fit, therefore, Grow Therapy shows available therapists across California from San Francisco to San Diego! If you’d rather see someone in-person, you can change the filter from virtual and find a therapist near you in California.

Will my therapist take Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan (Medi-Cal)?

Yes! If you use Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan (Medi-Cal) you’ll be asked to verify your Member ID at the time you book the appointment. However, if you don’t have Blue Shield of California Promise Health Plan (Medi-Cal) you can select cash. Our therapists will have their cost of appointment on their profile. Individual session costs will vary.

How does the Specialty Filter work? Can I find a therapist that focuses on a specific issue?

The specialty filter is optional. You don’t need to check any boxes to see a provider. However, fit is very important when selecting an online therapist. If you have knowledge or experience to recognize what specialties you may need.

What are the "Clients say I'm" badges?

Grow Therapy asks patients about their experience with therapists after they have had a certain number of sessions. After enough responses, we add those characteristics to their profiles to help you find the best online therapists for you. We're still working on collecting this information from all our therapists.

Why use Gender, Age, and Identities filters?

Finding a provider with a similar life experience can be beneficial because it can be easier to establish rapport and potentially be understood quicker and clearer.

What to expect during your first session?

Your first therapy session is for you and your therapist to meet each other and to ask any questions that you have about the counseling process. This is where you can expect your therapist to do the same as they will ask questions to gain insight into your specific situation. In this first session the therapist is doing their part to gather as much information so they can better assess if they are able to meet your therapeutic needs.

Depending upon your provider's specialty, you may also discuss the methods the therapist will use. For additional information on therapy methods, please visit the Grow Therapy Help Center. Some people feel nervous before their first appointment, and that is totally normal! Coming prepared with a list of questions for your therapist may help. Remember, you're taking a brave step by seeking therapy, and it is okay to be nervous as you try something new.